'They're going through a genocide too': War in Ukraine compared to Holodomor
Hundreds of Winnipeggers gathered at City Hall Saturday to remember victims of the Holodomor, a man-made famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in 1932-33.
The Holodomor – which literally means "death by hunger" in Ukrainian – took place under the regime of U.S.S.R. leader Joseph Stalin. Scholars estimate up to seven million Ukrainians died from starvation during the collectivization of agriculture under Soviet rule.
The ceremony commemorated the 89th anniversary of the tragedy. Mayor Scott Gillingham and several other politicians were at the event.
"Food is one of our most basic human needs, and one of our most basic human rights. But during the Holodomor, food was used as a weapon to oppress the Ukrainian people," said Gillingham in his speech.
Joanne Lewandosky, President of the Manitoba Provincial Council of the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, said this year's event had special meaning for those who have recently fled Ukraine because of the war with Russia.
"A great portion of the people (that) were here are newcomers," said Lewandosky. "They're going through a genocide too. It's on the same parallel as the one that happened '32-'33."
She said the current conflict feels like the Holodomor all over again. "Their homes are being bombed, they're losing whatever they’ve had, they’ve had to move, and it's Russia against us again."
Attendees carried black flags to commemorate the Holodomor, and Ukrainian flags to show solidarity with Ukraine in the current conflict. Hymns were sung in remembrance. A banner read "To their eternal memory, to Moscow's eternal shame!"
It's a message more relevant now than ever before, according to Lewandosky. She said Manitoba continues to welcome hundreds of Ukrainians fleeing the war each week.
"Let them find a new home, a place where there's democracy, there's peace, and there's caring."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.